#Japan #Tokyo #Shota Takayanagi #Club50 #LOVE TO i

Shota Takayanagi's Exhibition: LOVE TO i

Shota Takayanagi, a prominent creative director known for his works with brands like Reebok and Nike, is back with his second solo exhibition titled "LOVE TO i." The event is hosted at ArtGallery Tokyu Plaza Ginza in Tokyo, running from August 12 to August 24, 2025. This exhibition emphasizes the theme of love, featuring various original artworks that transcend traditional expressions.

Theme Statement: Love

The concept of love, according to Takayanagi, is represented by the idea of looking back. It encourages individuals to pause and direct their hearts toward someone dear to them, highlighting that the foremost point of reflection should be oneself. Through this lens, he believes that loving oneself can lead to a beautiful outpouring of affection that eventually touches the world at large. Takayanagi expresses his hope that the love cultivated in this exhibition will someday resonate with someone's individual experience.

Exhibition Overview

• - Title: LOVE TO i
• - Dates: August 11 – August 24, 2025
• - Location: ArtGallery Tokyu Plaza Ginza, 5-2-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (4th Floor)
• - Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• - Admission: Free
• - Organizer: Club50 Inc.

Interview Insights: Tackling Love and Self-Acceptance

During an interview, Takayanagi reflected on why he chose love as the exhibition's central theme. He recalled that in his previous exhibit, he expressed feelings stemming from his childhood in an unrestrained manner. It made him realize that art has the power to bridge emotional gaps across cultures and languages. This personal journey ignited a strong belief in the importance of self-love, steering him towards the thematic focus on love for this exhibition.

When asked if he frequently reflects on love, he shared that he previously viewed emotions in a binary manner—like and dislike. However, through his current work, he's come to understand that love transcends simplistic notions and is a more complex, nuanced concept that encompasses relationships and self-awareness.

He elaborates on self-love as an internal filter that affects how one perceives others. If one's outlook is skewed towards self-criticism, it can hinder the acceptance of diverse perspectives and create misunderstandings in relationships. Conversely, adopting a healthier self-image allows for a more open and accepting approach to interactions with others. Thus, self-love is not merely about altering feelings but reevaluating one’s perspective on oneself.

The Broader Impact of Self-Love

Takayanagi believes that on a grander scale, if more individuals embraced self-love, it could reduce cultural conflicts and disputes that arise from misunderstandings. Therefore, he feels compelled to encourage people worldwide to reflect on their individuality through art. For him, loving oneself lays the groundwork for an expansive, beautiful love that can permeate society.

Focus for the Current Exhibition

In his first exhibit, Takayanagi was solely focused on conveying the message he wanted to share. However, for his second exhibit, he aimed to facilitate a dialogue between the viewer and their own inner self. He aspired for his work to serve as a catalyst for introspection, allowing visitors to quietly confront their thoughts and emotions.

Difference Between Video and Art: Takayanagi contrasts video with art by stating that video tends to present a more structured world, dictated by the creator's vision. On the other hand, art is akin to a public park where visitors can freely explore their paths. He seeks to create artworks that extend the longevity of cherished memories.

Final Message: He expresses the hope that viewers embrace their own unique sensibilities rather than measuring their artistic expression against conventional judgments of skill. He believes everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard, and he hopes his exhibition ignites the spark for someone to learn to love themselves.

Profile: Shota Takayanagi

• - Birth Date: July 23, 1986
• - Hometown: Aichi, Japan
• - Career: A creative director involved in more than 100 commercial and music video projects, he established Club50 in 2024, focusing on branding and visual content creation.

Company Overview: Club50

• - Mission: To visualize the unseen 'heart' through impactful emotional experiences in art.
• - Location: 1-12-4, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 7th Floor
• - CEO: Shota Takayanagi
• - Founded: June 6, 2024
• - Services: Video production, branding, promotional planning, graphic design, and web development.
• - Website: Club50 Official Site

Art has the power to inspire change, and through 'LOVE TO i', Takayanagi invites everyone on a journey of self-discovery and compassion.